BOSTON – Monday, August 12, 2013 – In accordance with legislation recently enacted by the Massachusetts House and Senate, MassDOT has devised an implementation plan and scheduled public hearings for the restoration of private passenger vehicle tolls on the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) between Interchange 1 (West Stockbridge) and Interchange 6 (Springfield/I-291).

The public is invited to participate in the hearings to be held ahead of the planned October 15 restoration. The hearings will be held in Lee and Springfield during the second week of September. The toll restoration is part of a comprehensive transportation finance law passed by the legislature that will fund road and bridge and public transit projects across the Commonwealth.

Hearing attendees will be presented with an overview of the toll implementation plan from MassDOT staff, have an opportunity to ask questions and to provide comment. In addition, attendees will be able to join E-ZPass on site.

The Frequently Asked Questions section provides ways to join E-ZPass or update your account, and to review the toll schedule. The toll schedule will be the same schedule that was in effect from 1990 to 1996 when the tolls were eliminated.

While toll booth infrastructure and personnel are in place, MassDOT will be working until October 15 to revise the electronic toll collection software system and print new toll tickets used by cash customers.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013 from 6pm -9pm

Lee High School

300 Greylock Street

Lee , MA 01238

Thursday, September 12, 2013from 6pm-9pm

Mass Mutual Center

1277 Main Street

Springfield, MA 01013

This meeting space is accessible to people with disabilities. If you need an accommodation in order to fully participate in the meeting (American Sign Language interpreter, assistive listening device, documents in alternative formats, translated documents) please contact Donny Dailey at 857-368-8902 or at Donny.Dailey@state.ma.us in advance of the meeting.

The legislation requires a formal comment period. If you wish to comment, this email address will be active in the coming days: WesternTurnpike@dot.state.ma.us

Comments will be accepted through the month of September.

FAQs

Why are tolls being restored on the Massachusetts Turnpike between Interchanges 1 and 6?

The 1996 tolls rates will be restored. While we work to update our online toll calculator, please use the attached toll fee schedule to calculate your toll.

I have a non-revenue transponder that I use between Interchanges 1 and 6. Does it still work? What do I have to do?

When travel became free for private passenger vehicles, the former Turnpike Authority established an account category for residents in the Interchange1-6 area who only traveled within that region. If you are one of these account holders, you will need to change the status of your account and obtain a new transponder. MassDOT will be communicating with the active account holders directly and providing a kit to expedite the switch to a new transponder. The kit includes an instructional letter, account application, a prepaid return envelop and transponder packaging material. If you prefer to contact us, please call the E-ZPass Service Center at 877-627-7745.

I currently do not have an E-ZPass transponder; may I join E-ZPass before the tolls are restored?

There are numerous ways to join E-ZPass MA. In addition to attending one of the public hearings, you may join online or over the phone, by visiting a Customer Service Center, a Registry of Motor Vehicles office or a participating AAA branch.

Estimates indicate that the restoration of the private passenger vehicle tolls in this region will result in $12 million in revenue annually. Tolls collected along this section of the Turnpike will be part of the Massachusetts Transportation Trust Fund. By law, these funds cannot be spent on Turnpike construction or maintenance east of Interstate 95/Route 128.

What significant upgrades are needed to the Turnpike between Interchanges 1-6?

Similar to the entire length of the Western Turnpike, needs in this area include bridge and structure work like bridge deck replacement and resurfacing, bridge cleaning and painting as well as repairs to bridges and culverts. Roadway work including pavement resurfacing, guardrail, sign and lighting replacements. Buildings and facilities, such as service plazas and maintenance depots are due for roof replacements over the next several years.